May 20th 2162. Sol system. 11:24. Terran standard time. Luna city, the Nemak Estate.

Looking out across the large expanse of cultivated land and the lush, green gardens that surrounded his family's estate, Leo Nemak felt a strange sense of peace settling over him. He could hear the orchestra playing a quiet, comfortable tune and he caught a few snippets of conversations between the numerous guests still inside the large, opulent building that had been in his family's possession ever since the foundation of Luna city. Several hours of being in such close proximity to the richest, most influential and most powerful members of the Imperial aristocracy had completely drained him of every ounce of energy and patience he could muster. Finally, when the opportunity had arisen, he had excused himself and had retreated to the gazebo in the garden, hidden from prying eyes by large hedges and bushes filled with red, blooming roses. He was nursing a glass of liquor, the make and year of which he was uncertain, while he gazed out across the familiar landscape.

The garden had always been his refugee. The place he went and hid when the world was confusing and scary. As a small boy, he would spend hours playing amongst the bushes and trees and cultivated flowerbeds kept alive and well by a small army of tenders and gardeners. As he grew older, he had still valued the increasingly rare moments when he could spend time in the garden.

He heard the gravel on the path leading to the gazebo shift and crack under the feet of an approaching figure, likewise concealed by the hedges. He didn't have to wait long before the large, slightly hunched figure of his father materialized by the entrance to his sanctuary. He didn't say anything as the middle-aged man took a seat next to him, quietly joining him in his vigil.

They sat like that for several minutes, neither speaking nor making any indication of having anything to say. They had really never been very close, Leo and his father, so it was quite common for them to simply sit like that. It wasn't that Leo resented his father for pushing him to pursue a political career, and it wasn't that he had rarely seen his father when he was younger, Leo either being sent off to a prestigious boarding school somewhere on Earth or his father being on business trips whenever he was visiting his home. It was simply how it had always been. There was no reason, no cause. They just didn't get along. But they didn't dislike one another as such and so, they settled into a comfortable pattern, quietly acknowledging each other.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Leo cleared his throat and turned to face his father.

"So… I hear that business is going well. You secured that order for the new frontier worlds I take it?"

His father made an almost imperceptible jump as he was startled by his son suddenly making conversation. He quickly gathered his wits and nodded his head.

"Yes. Business is going well. And yes, I did get that order. I take it some of your contacts informed you of that. Well, I shouldn't be surprised at all, being an important senator and all."

He knew that his father had always aspired to become a member of the Imperial senate. However he had had some rather unfortunate dealings in his time. Starting his own business empire of selling arms and armor to the army, various law enforcement agencies and private households had been a lucrative business. But how some of his more advanced weapons had suddenly disappeared and made it into the hands of some less reputable types, the Triads, The Yakuza and The Cosa Nostra amongst them, he had never been able to explain. Somehow he avoided criminal charges and was allowed to continue his business, under stricter supervision by the AOCA, but later investigations showed that, inexplicably, a great deal of money had changed hands between various employees of the state and his father.

His father alone had been able to escape lifetime in prison for fraud and corruption simply because of the fact that by that time his firm had developed most, if not all, of the Imperial armies weaponry. And since his father was the sole owner of the now gargantuan business, incarcerating him would mean that the firm would be split into smaller parts and bought by either the government or smaller corporations. The bureaucracy and cost of acquiring parts and components from several competitors would be staggering. And so, the case against his father had quietly been swept under the rug.

Of course, that had also been the end of any political ambitions possessed by his father, who had then invested all his time, and a great deal of his fortune, into making Leo a member of the Senate. Leo had, in exchange, spearheaded many laws and propositions which would make his farther an even wealthier, more influential man. The latest act had been the 'Frontier-World-Civilian-Self-protection-propositi on' which, in short, would allow Imperial citizens inhabiting a frontier world, those worlds close to Batarian and Citadel space and neighboring the Terminus systems, to own and use certain arms and armor. It was in everyone's interests since not only had pirate raids and slaver attacks become more frequent, but the rising tensions between both the Citadel and the Empire had everyone on edge.

He had to admit, he was surprised by the speed and ease the law had passed. He had actually been approached by several parties who congratulated him on his ingenuity and courage. By spearheading the act, he had provided the gathering point for which the government could actually start working together once again. The infighting between the four parties had left them all weak, and the populations trust in their own elected leaders was failing. But this act, a highly popular law amongst a wide spectrum of political groups, and the speed and efficiency the government had shown in carrying it helped mend some of the fissures that had grown.

But Leo found one thing very suspicious about the whole affair. He had been approached by the leader of the Republican party, who had actually given Leo the idea of the law in the first place. But he had refused to spearhead the proposition himself. Now, Leo had to ask himself why?

And Leo did not want to admit just how extensive his knowledge of his father's business dealings actually was. Especially those that meant that a large batch of high-tec arms and armor had found their way into the hands of people who were actively working for a change in government. The Republican front, the People's liberation army and The illuminated were chief amongst these. And Leo knew that, prior to the senate even voting on the proposition, his father's company had produced more than six million rifles and suits of armor to be sold to private households outside of the Terran home system. A number, that was conspicuously close to the number of weapons bought by various planetary defense militias spread amongst the colonies.

Of course, his father had managed to keep these shady dealings secret, and if it wasn't because Leo himself had close contact with the political wings of said organizations, he would most likely never have found out. Not that he could disapprove, he himself could not be said to be completely without knowledge or interest in the activities of the numerous republicans or supporters who were in the imperial senate. He himself had pledged to assist these after all. This had also been the reason why he had agreed to spearhead the act in the first place.

He had been made aware of a large plot that would soon come to fruition, the specifics of which he was thankfully unaware of, and had promised to secure the future of the human race by simply voting with the majority. Although it sounded dangerous, not to mention treacherous, he had long ago learned that if one was to survive in Terran politics for long, one had to either go with the flow, or be the one directing it. Since he had no intention of becoming so submerged in the shady affairs of the Republican supporters, he could not reasonably direct the flow of the current events and had therefore elected that he would not stand in the way.

He was also aware that he was not the only senator who had been approached by the Republicans. A pattern was beginning to develop, but what it was and what it signified he could not even begin to guess at. He was just certain that it was there, and that he was missing something important. A piece of the puzzle that would make it all clear.

He belatedly realized that his father had spoken to him and directed his full attention to him. After a short pause, his father repeated what Leo had obviously not heard.

"Be careful son. Changes are coming. We both know it. These are dangerous times and if we aren't prepared we won't make it through to the other side."

Leo furrowed his brow, wondering what his father knew that he didn't. But he could not dispute the fact that the ever observant man was correct. The winds of change were blowing, he could almost smell it, feel it. The senators were on edge, the mood at the party had been more desperate than it had been festive, and the entire atmosphere on Earth was tense. It was as if everyone knew something monumental was about to happen. His father's advice was sound so he simply nodded in response.

May 20th 2162. Widow system. 15:47. Terran standard time. The Lux bar.

Sadra was moving through the pushing and shoving patrons of the dirty and noisy bar, complete and utter contempt for the poor taste of decorations and beverages could be seen written across her face. Indeed, she had rarely ventured into such establishment even in her crazy and wild maiden years. She had always been a level-headed, serious and strict woman, rarely to be found outside the most intellectual and influential circles in the Asari society. The only reason that she was here now was because it was the last place anyone who knew her would be. Clad in a plain dress and wearing a mask that covered her cheekbones and eyes secured her identity It was another reason why she chose this establishment. They had made a lewd custom that all patrons should wear a mask, but she was certain that she wouldn't be recognized by anyone.

She made her way to the back of the bar were there were private booths, shielded by sound-blocking an blurry class doors, where she would rendezvous with her contact. She found the booth that had been reserved, under false name, and was quite pleased to find that her contact had found his way there before her so that she would not be made to wait. She knew for a fact that he had been smuggled in through the back since a human walking through the open bar area would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention, and was quietly grateful of his useful discretion and the care which he employed so that their association had still, after all this time, remained undetected.

"Honorable councilor, glad that you could meet me with such short notice."

Ever the gentlemen, he rose from his position on the opposite side of the couch, a beaming smile on his face. When she sat down she could not help but grimace at the idea of how these discreet and out-of-the-way booths were undoubtedly usually employed by the clients of this establishment. The man poured her a glass of what she believed was supposed to be a Thessian blue, although she doubted that the bar or its patrons would pay for such a luxurious drink.

She was, however, not in the mood for his usual pleasantries. He had made himself known to her several months before, contacting her through the usual channels, and after a brief, but fruitful, conversation she had been exalted by the knowledge that she might finally have found a weak point in the human government.

Ever since then, they had worked closely together to come up with a plan to finally remove the Human threat. She had at first been skeptical at his approach, believing it was some sort of trap, but when all her agents had come up empty handed she had taken the risk of trusting that his offer was genuine. Since then he had deluged the locations of numerous human colonies, the position of their fleets and the position of their homeworld. He had also helped her foil several smaller human political incursions and had even told her of the lesser citadel species imminent secession from the Citadel, which the council had promptly answered by placing large 'protection fleets' in the homeworlds of these traitors.

But all of these things had been secondary to their ultimate goal. It had taken all the patience she could muster, and all the subtlety she possessed, to assist him in their common endeavor. And now, finally, he had reported that everyone was in position and that everything was ready. They only needed her to fulfill her side of the bargain.

"So, honored councilor. Is everything in order? Have the others agreed to the necessary course of action?"

The question was innocent enough, but there was something about his tone that she did not like. She took an extra second to see if his face betrayed anything. Finding that his expression was as innocent and friendly as ever, except for that disturbing smile that never reached his cold, calculating eyes, she decided that there was nothing untoward about the question.

"Yes, although naturally they required some persuasion, they eventually came around to the idea."

He nodded excitedly. His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as he scrutinized her the same way that she had done to him before.

"And the… Object. Did you bring it?"

Without answering she procured a rather large, cubic device hidden in the folds of her gown. She had no idea why he would need it or to what end he wished to employ it. It was simply a form of coordination and data device. Specially made so that it had stored within it the coordinates of every planetary system in the galaxy that they knew of, including several millions from various games and vids to further supplement the vast amount of data within. Furthermore, it also contained all ship traffic and data gathered from all of the various Citadel races through the last five-hundred years. She had no idea why this was important or crucial for the man, but she had indulged him since neither she nor any of her advisors could come up with a plausible solution as to why he would need it. And since it did not give any data that wasn't already widely available she could not see the harm in indulging him.

He took it carefully, almost reverently, and it disappeared into a pocket. Before resuming his previous position, casually lounging in his seat, looking quizzically at her.

"So tell me councilor, anything to add before we commence?"

His left eyebrow rose slightly. She leaned back while she considered the possibility of further pushing the man. She had already made him agree to make the humans pay severe reparations for their contempt and the destruction that they would soon spread across the citadel controlled space. And they would accept a place within the fold of the Citadel community, without a place in the council. Furthermore, they would seize producing their inferior copies and adhere to the patent laws that was enforced by the revised unified banking act and would, of course, restrict their production of warships and material. They would also surrender the Quarian race to the Council and free them from their oath of vassalage. She had fought fiercely for these points, and had conceded on many others, so as to meet his demands. She could sympathize with his reasons to betray his people, his unfair treatment by their dictatorial ruler, and she quietly liked the idea. Disposing of the last real dictator of the galaxy seemed to be only fair and proper, and especially since the Asari, the paragons of democracy and freedom, played such a crucial role.

In exchange, the Humans would gain access to Citadel technology, and Human companies would receive some financial support so they could start expanding into Citadel space. They would be allowed to keep their ships and fleet and to colonize within a restricted zone. Furthermore, they would be given a position above the other client races, as these had proven unreliable, and therefore would acquire significant political influence in the Council, without actually gaining a seat.

She smiled at the man, shaking her head slightly.

"No, I believe that our deal is fair and mutually profiting. It would be a shame to tamper with it since we have already reached an agreement."

He seemed pleased with this answer and took a small swig from his glass before, giving her another of those unnerving smiles, he said with his ever so sweet voice.

"Then, miss Ilian, I would dare to propose that we celebrate the birth of the Human republic. In just a few days, the galaxy will forever have changed."

She thought that his words were a bit exaggerated, but she nonetheless indulged him and raised her own glass. She was, after all, speaking with the soon to be, president of the Human Republic.

May 20th 2162. Nevera system. 16:55. Terran standard time. The planet of Vi'anara, The city of vianaon.

The small Asari colony was thriving. Having been established only a couple of months ago near the border of the human Empire, growth had initially been slow. Mostly it was due to the fact that most Asari felt that the unstable Human government would mean that their security would be threatened by an inordinate number of pirates and renegades. But quite the opposite had been the case. Every time a new colony was established, it was expected that there would be some minor incursions from some of the scum of the galaxy, but there had been none. Not a single small, insignificant, brigadier vessel had been spotted anywhere near the planet or system.

And their proximity to Human space had actually proven to be quite lucrative. Dozens of transport-ships docked at the hastily constructed space-port every week to empty their holds of the numerous wares and precious cargo that they carried with them. And as the human products left the colony to be dispersed throughout the rest of Citadel space, credits came flooding back instead, making the young colony wealthy and prosperous beyond anything the initial settlers could ever have believed possible.

Now, the capitol city Vianaon housed more than ten-thousand adventurous and intrepid Asari, looking to make a new life for themselves on the fringes of known space.

Working her way through the crowded main street, Mian Nasira was carrying a small parcel under her arm, the content of which she believed that the children at the daycare where she was currently employed would be very pleased with. She had originally not planned on staying here long, wanting to experience the closed nation of the Human Empire on a more first-hand basis, but now she just couldn't leave the adorable children. Maybe I another year or so, after all she was still only two centuries old and still had plenty of time before she was expected to settle down and find a mate.

She nodded and smiled to all of her friends who she passed on the way, having met many of them back when it was still a fledgling community just beginning to develop into a town, and still remaining in close contact with them now that the small town had grown into a city. She had always been a 'people-person', starting conversations with random strangers and always happy to meet new and exciting people, that was one of the reasons why she wanted to visit Human worlds so much.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the steely grey fringe of Antonius, one of the very few Turians on the colony. She made her way over to him, making sure to look as casual as she could.

"Good morning Antonius."

Her light, soft voice apparently managed to startle the Turian, who was busy opening the large gate of the storehouse he owned. He jumped slightly but managed to keep the heavy gate from falling and badly bruising his toes. He turned around with a bemused but pleased expression; his mandibles spread wide and showing a bit of his fangs as well. She knew through her travels that this was a good thing, at least when it came to Turian males.

"Hello Mian. I see you bring gifts for the children, be careful they don't get too much sugar, from what I hear, they are a handful as it is."

She smiled, glancing at the bundle of assorted sweets and treats tucked under her arm. Indeed, the spirited younglings were energetic, and could be more than a challenge for anyone who did not possess the infinite patience of the young Asari. But she loved them. They were so innocent and loving. They saw the galaxy as a place of wonder and beauty, ignorant of the horrors and terrors concealed amongst the stars.

"I'm sure they will behave. It is just a little reward after all, they have been absolute angels this week and I thought that they deserved a treat."

Still smiling, Antonius began carrying crates from the warehouse into the street, stacking them neatly together so that they would be easier to get into the truck when it arrived, making sure that it looked as if he handled the heavy burdens easily, trying to impress her.

"Well, if you need help reigning in the sugar fuelled rascals afterwards, feel free to call for back up."

He winked at her, and she smiled back before she proceeded with her daily chores. She liked Antonius. He was clever, funny and, despite not wanting to admit it himself, he had a soft heart. Maybe she should ask him if he wanted to see a vid later. Maybe one of those new human ones.

Her train of thought was interrupted by the screaming of thrusters. She looked up and saw several black drop-ships entering the blue atmosphere of the planet. Immediately, fear gripped her heart as she thought that they had indeed come under attack from slavers or such. But then she caught the flicker of sunlight reflecting off of the golden eagle emblazoned on the side of one of the ships.

She recognized the symbol as being that of the Human Empire and her fear became mixed with confusion. This was a Citadel world, and those were obviously Human military crafts. What purpose did they have here?

As if hearing her unspoken question, the bellies of the ships opened. From the dark chasms flew dozens of small, armored humanoid forms, each carrying the distinct figure of a weapon. Her fear became cold, numbing terror as she recognized the red armor of the infamous human Legionnaires. She knew enough about the reclusive Humans to know, that the legionnaires were their fiercest, and deadliest frontline infantry. Used to spearhead an assault… or an invasion.

She several smaller ships entering the atmosphere. Resembling fighters, these headed straight for the defensive installments visible on the hills surrounding the colony. These did not react in the slightest, and she suddenly remembered that they cannons and shields of the colony, were offline. Not being able to produce enough power to keep the growing city supplied, it had been decided to siphon power from the guns, since it seemed that they would not be needed.

She watched, petrified by horror, as the fighters dropped their deadly payloads. She was almost blinded by the searing white light as the defensive emplacements were obliterated. As if breaking the spell, she regained the control of her limbs.

In a flash she was sprinting towards the daycare. All her thought turned to getting the children to safety. Why the Humans were attacking, or any other such questions, were pushed from her mind. There was only one thing that mattered. The previously quiet, calm and almost empty street had been filled with panicking citizens in a flash. The crowd was pushing, shoving, screaming and crying. The confusion was absolute. And in the middle of it all the noise, she heard the sound of weapons-fire. A quick look confirmed that the humans were discharging their weapons as they were dropping to the ground. Aiming directly at the scurrying civilians.

Bullets whizzed close pass her head, and she saw several people being cut down right in front of her. She did not offer a single thought to her own safety. All that mattered were the children. They would all be crowded together in the small building already, most of their parents having early shifts and dropping them off before going to work. It was on the fringes of the city, and she hoped that whatever the humans wanted, it was located away from the younglings.

She turned down a narrow ally, a shortcut, and ran along the small roads and backyards that signified that she was nearing the edge of the city.

She could not fathom the reason for their attack, nor the brutality. Why the Humans would start a war with the Citadel was beyond her. But her questions would be answered later. As she entered the street leading directly to the daycare, she felt a great sense of relief as she saw the building, unharmed by the atrocities . She stormed towards it, running faster than she had ever done before in her life. She managed to get within sixty meters of the daycare before she felt the earth tremble, the sound of an explosion filled her ears and the heat scorched her face. She was thrown off her feet and landed heavily and violently on the pavement a few meters behind her. Badly bruised and dazed, she tried getting back to her feet, feeling and hearing several more explosions going off in the city.

Her mind numb, and her body bruised, she took a moment to survey her surroundings. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she saw the destruction sown in mere moments by the brutal Humans.

Large parts of the city were burning, bodies littered the street and the cries of the wounded filled the air. She turned around, fearing what she would see, and felt her heart and sanity shatter as she saw a burning, dark crater where the daycare had been mere moments before.

Her knees buckled under her impossibly heavy weight. She did not understand how this could happen. Her body and mind felt completely numb. She lifted her hands to her face and was not at all disturbed to see them covered with blue blood. She did not register the heavy steps approaching her, or hear the harsh voices calling out to her. She didn't feel anything when a hand grasped the top of head, or when the hot muzzle of a gun was wiped into her head. Then, blissful darkness overtook her.

May 20th 2162. Nevera system. 17:47. Terran standard time. The planet of Vi'anara, The city of vianaon.

Mark Trivan removed his helmet to get a better look at the destruction that they had wrought on the alien colony. Bodies littered the ground, and fires raged in the surrounding buildings. He almost laughed in incredulity at how easy the whole operation had been.

"That's it? For thirty-thousand credits each I had expected a fight. But this is just too easy."

He hadn't spoken to anyone in particular. But the man, or alien, next to him turned to look at him. When he spoke, it was with the slightly hoarse, resonating voice of one of the Batarians. The Batarians who had assisted them had had explicit order to adorn themselves in human armor and that they must, under no circumstance whatsoever, remove any parts of their armor. He didn't mind. They were truly ugly buggers and he looked forward to part ways with them. They thought themselves so superior. It was a wonder no more fight had broken out amongst the human mercenary band, and the Batarian slavers.

"What, you wanna get shot up and die human? Typical, you have no appreciation of skill. We picked this colony 'cause we knew it had no defenses. We actually know what we are doing."

Mark grinded his teeth together, not wanting to ruin the whole thing by shooting the smug alien between it four, ugly eyes. They acted like they ran the entire operation. As if they actually had anything to do with its' planning or running. They knew nothing.

He glanced at the dropships landing on the field just north of his position. He knew they were supposed to resemble the sophisticated ships of the legions, but the Batarian contractors had done a crappy job at capturing the sleek, dangerous look of the ships possessed by the deadly armed forces of Terra. A human dropship resembled a bird of prey, carrying a payload more deadly than any bomb. The Batarian copies looked more like whales with wings. Of course, most aliens had only seen unfocused, hazy pictures of the equipment, and so would most likely never see the distinction. But to him it was painfully obvious. Even his armor and his weaponry, likewise produced by the Batarians, looked clumsy and blocky. Not at all like the legions.

But he was there to get paid. The costumer had been adamant that they use Batarian produced equipment, and that they must look like legionnaires. He didn't know why and he didn't really care.

He scanned the area once again, walking slowly down the street to make sure that it looked as horrific as an home. Good, exactly as requested. Behind him, his squad took a shot at something every once in a while, a window, a body, a wreck, all of it to add to the picture of death and destruction.

He keyed his com-bead and called to his captain.

"Captain, this is Mark. We've finished this section of the city. Left plenty of dazed survivors, as you instructed. What are our order?"

He waited a few seconds before an answer keyed in.

"Head to the dropships. We're leaving this dirtball, You know your orders and position. Now get a move on. Somebody is bound to arrive soon, and we are to be long gone before then."

He motioned to his squad who began jogging towards the waiting dropships. And as efficiently as they had arrived, they left. Leaving plenty of traces of their presence. It was only when they were many light years away from the system that he allowed himself to actually relax.

Years as a mercenary had taught him that if something was easy, if it was too good to be true. It usually was. For thirty-thousand credits per man, one would expect a dangerous mission with serious risk of wounds or death. It was a standard fee within established mercenaries.

"I'm just gonna go and check on the pilot. See if he's okay or need anything."

Again, he hadn't really spoken to anyone in particular. He was acting on a hunch. A gut feeling that he just couldn't get rid of. Something was off about the mission. He had known it from the start, But the high pay for an in-and-out job had been too alluring.

He made his way down the aisle, between the slumped bodies of mercenaries and Batarian, some sleeping, some eating and talking. When he came to the cockpit he knocked. Not hearing an answer he simply barged in.

He was caught completely by surprise by what he saw. All the pilot seats were empty. The ship was flying on autopilot. He instantly knew that that was significant and he stormed over to the navigations terminal. On the screen was something that confirmed all of his suspicions. The course that was plotted by the pilot would take them directly into a sun. And worse, they were less than a minute out.

He worked frantically, looking for a button, a handle, a manual, anything that could help him. He even started frantically pressing random buttons. He tried to reach the other ships, to contact someone, anyone who could help. But the radio did not response. And as the countdown came lower and lower, he arrived at the realization that there was nothing he could do. He knew absolutely nothing about piloting a ship. As the countdown reached single digits and he could see the flaming ball that would probably be his final destination, he could do nothing but stare at it.

"You son of a bitch".

And then, the ship seized existing.

May 20th 2162. Sol system. 15:47. Terran standard time. Empire City, Southern harbor, a warehouse.

Calm, with a sense purpose and being a part of history in the making, Jonathan Harris was assembling his kit, along with nineteen other freedom fighters. During the last few months, he had trained intently on a backwards farming colony out on the fringe of Human space. He was part of the Republican liberation front, and on this day he would be part of the army that would bring freedom to all humans and liberate them from the oppression of the tyrant, the emperor Augustus.

He finished loading his last magazine. He went over his weapon, an old mark II Longbow, making sure that every surface was smooth and covered with a thin layer of oil. It worked perfectly and had served him well during his time in training. But now he would use it against the lackeys of the Tyrant for the first time. He was nervous, but exited.

He went over his uniform, a dark grey coverall with the emblem of the Republican liberation front on his right shoulder. A green laurel with three spears within it, the two on the sides crossing the one in the middle. It was simple, but it looked inconspicuous. It would provide some camouflage in the city but mostly it was made so that they would not stand out from the multitude of nightshift workers that would crowd the production districts at night. The Republican emblem was fitted with Velcro and he would remove it, and only put it on again immediately before the attack.

He felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He turned to look into the stern, but friendly face of the cell leader, Archal Nohamak. He did not know the names of most of the other cell-members, but he knew the name of their leader.

"Ready boy?"

He nodded, the sudden appearance of a knot in his thought preventing him from saying anything.

"You nervous? Don't worry. We're all a bit nervous. No shame in it."

Again he just nodded. Archael moved on to talk to the next man in line, and the knot disappeared. He took a deep, calming breath. Only seventeen, Jonathan was one of the youngest members of the group, but he was also one of the most dedicated. He would not abandon the cause. Not when they were so close.

"All right everybody, sit up!"

He quickly grabbed his belt containing his equipment, water, a long knife, pouches for his ammunition and medical equipment before running to the back of one of two waiting trucks. Both were old, battered Langlow six heavy trucks. Used by thousands of corporations on countless human colonies they would not raise too much suspicion on the roads of Empire city.

He filled into the back, making himself comfortable amongst crates of different, unmarked wares. He was joined by seven others who all sat in silence, nerves on edge. The gate closed and moments later he heard the rumble of the old engine as the machine was kicked into action.

It was a long bumpy ride from the warehouse through the dark streets of the capital city of mankind. It was completely dark in the back of the truck, and the conversations were kept to a minimum. After a few minutes, he ventured to start a conversation with the man sitting in front of him.

"So… Where are you from?"

He could not see him, but he imagined that the man was slightly startled, probably having been deep in thought.

"Me? I am from Hopes Rise… Don't know if you have heard of it. It's a small colony. I… I was a teacher there. Primary school. History and Mathematics. Had about twenty students… What about you?"

"I am from Prosperity. My dad and I left some six months ago to join up. Used to help my dad with his store. So why did you join? The liberation movement I mean."

There was a few seconds pause. He could hear the deep sigh of the man, even over the rumblings of the engine.

"I just… I just didn't think it was right. You know Earth used to be a democracy. Where the people could elect their own leader. It just seemed wrong that one man, one boy that is, can rule without a mandate from the people."

He took another deep breath.

"You know, I just thought that it was wrong. Nobody can touch the emperor. Nobody is watching him. He can do whatever he pleases and none of us can do a damn thing about it. He could eradicate an entire world and no-one could stop him. It just… It just scares me to think of all the power one man can possess. And how long he can possess it before it corrupts him."

Jonathan nodded. He had had the same thoughts. Why should the emperor decide what he could and couldn't do? Why should a man he had never actually seen other than in the news and on posters decide his every move and right? What made him so special? What gave him the right? His father had told him of how he and his mother had moved to the far flung colony of Prosperity, back in the days of the first colorizations. Back then, there had been little control from the Capital and they had elected their own officials and leaders. It had been only a few months, but it had been a golden age. He himself had not been very interested in politics, but it sounded only right and fair that those who made the laws and collected the taxes were from amongst the ranks of the common people. Had been elected for their intelligence, their fairness and their wisdom.

They talked for the rest of the trip. The man, named Vic Hadan, Had been amongst a group of at least thirty who had left to join one of the camps of the republicans. He told him that they had been at least a hundred in that camp who had all left for Earth a few weeks ago. It sounded similar to Jonathans own story. Although he knew that the group he was with was not the only one taking part in the attack, he was still surprised when he heard that Vic knew of another two such camps on the world of Hopes Rise.

Vic spoke at some length of how the democratic leaders had been scared of the people. How they had to do what the masses wished, and not what they thought best. It was enchanting, and he hoped that one day, he might get to elect their own leader. To choose the man who would be humanities shepherd and guide. And should he fail, he would answer to the masses of Earth, not hide behind his fleets and armies.

The truck came to a violent halt. The gate was opened and they all rushed outside into the dark. They were in an even larger warehouse than the one they had just left. It was noisy. Dozens of vehicles, some with weapons mounted on them, filled the vast space, along with hundreds of people armed and dressed the same way as him.

His mouth fell open. He knew that there were more participating in the attack, but he had never expected that they would be so numerous. With such numbers on their side they would surely prevail. A sense of strength and courage coursed through him. All doubt and fear that he had possessed immediately vanished from his body.

He could see a man, standing on the roof of a truck, holding a microphone to his mouth. As he spoke his voice boomed out across the vast hall. Filling it with his strong, sure voice.

"Ready yourselves brothers. On this day, we will fight a battle for the oppressed masses, those who are breaking their back under the whips of the Tyrant and his lackeys. On this day, we will free humanity from the shackles of Dictators, and freedom shall rain once again. On this day, we will shed our righteous blood, and by our sacrifice, we shall break the foundation of the corrupt Empire, and give rise to the Republic of man."

A/N

So... Been a while since i updated. I apologiece :( but i promise that i will update a lot more frequently. But the chapters will be shorter. Hope you liked this one after such a long break. It has not been beta-read as i wanted to get it out as quick as possible and it is more of a bridge chapter along to the third segment of the story (I really hadn't thought the fic would live this long) But i have secured internet access (another reason why updating was a lot more difficult than i should be) and i have found a rythm so that i should be able to write a lot more often. :)

I have also created a Forum for this fic. I hope that some of you have the time to create topics and participate in discusions as this is your way of influencing the fic. For now, it is a desolate wasteland without any topics in it as i have very little to say, but rest assured that i will take the time to read and participate in discussions in it, and that i will take suggestions under advisement.

Link: myforums/Holland93/4765112/

Until next time then :)